NEW DELHI: The rise in global average temperature beyond the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C threshold by 2024 signals a “very grave danger,” but does not signify the end of the global climate accord, according to Celeste Saulo, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Speaking at the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) 150th foundation day celebration, Saulo emphasized the urgency of decisive climate action in 2025 to curb greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
Key Highlights from Saulo’s Address
- The global average temperature rise of 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900) projected for 2024 represents a critical warning but should be viewed in the context of sustained warming over decades.
- Temporary breaches, such as individual years exceeding the 1.5°C threshold, do not necessarily render the goals of the Paris Agreement unattainable. Efforts to limit long-term temperature increases remain vital and achievable.
Record-breaking Global Temperatures
The WMO confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record, with the past decade (2015–2024) marking an unprecedented streak of record-breaking temperatures. The global average surface temperature for 2024 reached 1.55°C above the 1850–1900 baseline, the first calendar year to cross the 1.5°C threshold, with an uncertainty margin of ±0.13°C.
IMD’s 150 Years of Excellence
Saulo commended the IMD for its 150-year legacy as a cornerstone of weather observation, forecasting, and research across the Indian subcontinent.
- She highlighted IMD’s significant contributions to enhancing resilience in India and its role in advancing global meteorological science.
- The event, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh, IMD Chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, and international meteorologists, underscored IMD’s importance in global climate dialogue.
Notably, representatives from Pakistan, despite confirming their participation earlier, were absent, while Bangladesh declined due to government-imposed restrictions on non-essential foreign travel.
As global temperatures continue to rise, Saulo’s address served as a stark reminder of the need for immediate and sustained climate action to avert further environmental crises.
